Here is the thing about Pankaj Netam. He is not just making art in isolation. Operating out of the Bhelwapada neighborhood in Kondagaon, he has built a heavy, functioning engine for Dhokra craft.
While Dhokra is often seen as a solitary battle between one artist and the fire, Pankaj has scaled it into a community effort.
Let's break down his workshop. It is a busy, intensely focused space. He manages a team of 15 artisans, a majority of them women from the local area who bring incredible precision to the delicate wax thread work. Preparing the clay, rolling the beeswax, and managing the kiln takes massive coordination. Pankaj orchestrates this entire process while ensuring the ancient lost wax techniques remain completely authentic.
He balances two major responsibilities. He is raising his two children, ensuring they see the value of their heritage, while also providing a steady livelihood for his crew. He takes the pressure of daily production and turns it into flawless metal figures.
What this really means is Pankaj is more than a master craftsman. He is a guardian of his local community. When you hold a piece from his studio, you are looking at the combined effort of a highly skilled team led by a man who knows exactly how to keep the fire burning.